Sydney FC sign former Australian youth international Robert Stambolziev

Sydney FC have continued to rebuild their squad during the January transfer window with the signing of former Australian youth international, Robert Stambolziev.

The 24-year-old left-winger is the Sky Blues' third addition of the summer following the arrival of Senegalese internationals Mickael Tavares and Jacques Faty and comes in as an injury replacement for striker Corey Gameiro, who is out for the season.

The attacking player adds much-needed pace to Sydney's attack after a heavy injury toll that ruled out Gameiro and winger Ali Abbas for the rest of the campaign, but he might not be free to play against Central Coast Mariners on Saturday night.

Stambolziev has been having trials with Sydney for a number of weeks, but the club is still awaiting Stambolziev's international transfer clearance, which may not arrive until after the January 24 match.

"It's great to be able to bring in an attacking Australian player who will add depth to our attacking line-up," Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold said.

"He's got pace and can play out wide as well and has good experience playing in England, Greece and Cyprus over the last eight years."

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Stambolziev first moved abroad in 2007 with Bristol City's youth team before joining Greek giants Panathinaikos. He did not make a senior appearance with the Athens club before spending time in the lower leagues of Greece, then moving to Olympiacos Nicosia of Cyprus. After more than seven seasons abroad, Stambolziev was happy to return to Australia to sign his first A-League contract.

"I've been here for a short time on trial and I've been able to see the huge amount of quality in this squad," Stambolziev said.

"I know Graham Arnold has a reputation as a great coach and the club has a family feel and a good culture among the players."